Pin A festive, sweet-and-savory snack mix featuring gold and black ingredients—perfect for ringing in the New Year with style and crunch.
This snack mix quickly became a holiday favorite with my friends& family who love the unique blend of textures and colors.
Ingredients
- Crunchy Base: 3 cups black cocoa cereal (e.g., Oreo Os or similar), 2 cups mini pretzel twists, 1 cup caramel popcorn
- Gold & Black Accents: 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chocolate-covered espresso beans (optional for adults), 1/2 cup gold candy-coated chocolates (e.g., gold M&Ms), 1/2 cup gold star sprinkles or edible glitter
- Sweet & Savory Coating: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine black cocoa cereal, pretzel twists, and caramel popcorn.
- Step 3:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey and sea salt until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the snack mix. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 5:
- Spread the coated mix in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and just beginning to crisp.
- Step 6:
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Step 7:
- Once cooled, transfer the mix to a large bowl. Add chocolate chips, chocolate-covered espresso beans, gold candy-coated chocolates, and gold star sprinkles. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 8:
- Serve in bowls or fill festive bags for guests to take home.
Pin This mix is always a hit at our family gatherings, bringing everyone together to enjoy a crunchy festive treat.
Notes
Espresso beans add a sophisticated touch—omit for a kid-friendly version. Pair with sparkling wine or a festive mocktail for a perfect NYE treat.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Small saucepan, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter), gluten (pretzels, some cereals), and soy (chocolate). May contain nuts (if added or present in chocolates). Double-check candy and cereal labels for allergens.
Pin This Gold and Black Midnight Snack Mix brings a delightful balance of flavors and textures that's perfect for your next celebration.
Recipe Q&A
- → What gives this snack its unique black and gold colors?
The mix features black cocoa cereal and dark chocolate chips for deep tones, while gold candy-coated chocolates and edible glitter add festive golden highlights.
- → How do I achieve the perfect crunch in this snack?
A light honey-butter coating is baked over a mix of cereals, pretzels, and caramel popcorn, which crisps up during baking maintaining crunchiness without sogginess.
- → Can adult variations include any special ingredients?
Yes, adding chocolate-covered espresso beans enhances flavor complexity with a slight coffee kick, recommended for adult palates.
- → Is it possible to make this mix gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pretzels and popcorn as substitutes to keep the snack safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- → How should I store the snack mix for best freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain texture and flavors for several days without losing crispness.